Elias stood at the entrance of the Sanctified Lanterns' hidden base, staring at the iron door. The runes etched across its surface pulsed faintly, casting eerie shadows on the damp alley walls.
He hesitated.
The Covenant's offer weighed heavily on his mind. They had promised him resources, answers, and access to his case—but the cost of working with an organization known for its secrets and manipulations gnawed at his sense of independence.
With a resigned sigh, Elias knocked in the same rhythmic pattern Adrienne had used. The runes flared briefly before the locks clicked open, and the door swung inward.
The base was as cold and unwelcoming as he remembered. Lantern light flickered against stone walls, illuminating rows of shelves filled with artifacts, scrolls, and vials of strange liquids.
Adrienne was waiting for him just inside, her arms crossed. "You're back," she said, her voice calm but sharp. "I wasn't sure you would be."
"Neither was I," Elias admitted. "But here I am. I have questions."
Adrienne smirked faintly. "Of course, you do. Follow me."
They walked through the base, the air thick with the faint hum of Veil energy. Practitioners moved about, murmuring incantations or examining strange objects. Elias couldn't shake the feeling that everyone was watching him.
Adrienne led him into a circular chamber where High Inquisitor Marcus Veylan stood waiting. A map of Arkwright was spread across the table before him, marked with symbols and red pins.
"Mr. Thorne," Veylan said without looking up. "Have you decided?"
"Not yet," Elias said, stepping closer. "But I'm not here to talk about your ultimatum. I need more information."
Veylan raised an eyebrow. "Information about what, exactly?"
"The Veil," Elias said. "My father. And why you're so interested in me."
The room fell silent for a moment. Adrienne leaned against the wall, her expression neutral, while Veylan studied Elias carefully.
"You've seen the Veil's power firsthand," Veylan said. "You know what's at stake. The artifact you carry and your connection to it make you a potential ally—or a threat."
Elias scoffed. "So, what? You're recruiting me to keep me under control?"
"Partly," Veylan admitted, his voice steady. "But also because you're uniquely positioned to help us. You've already faced a Veilshard and survived. That speaks to your potential."
Elias frowned, his hand instinctively brushing the pocket where his monocle rested. "You mentioned my father before. You think he was one of you, don't you?"
Veylan nodded. "It's highly likely. The artifact you carry—Veil-touched objects like that don't end up with ordinary mortals. It was passed to you for a reason."
Elias shook his head. "If he was involved with all of this, he never told me. He disappeared when I was a kid, left my mother and me to fend for ourselves. I'm not interested in finding him or uncovering his secrets."
Veylan's gaze didn't waver. "You may not care about him, but his actions are connected to the events unfolding now. If he was Veilborn, as we suspect, his disappearance might not have been by choice. Finding the truth could help you—and us."
Elias clenched his jaw. The idea of searching for his father, of dredging up old wounds, was the last thing he wanted.
"I'm here to solve a case," he said firmly. "Not chase ghosts."
Veylan exchanged a glance with Adrienne, who finally spoke. "The case you're working on is tied to the Veil, Elias. If you want to see it through, you'll need us."
Elias narrowed his eyes. "That's your angle, isn't it? Join you, and I can keep investigating. Refuse, and you'll block me at every turn."
"We can't allow someone outside our order to meddle with Veil-related matters," Veylan said bluntly. "It's too dangerous."
Elias let out a bitter laugh. "You're not giving me much of a choice, are you?"
"No," Veylan said simply. "But we're offering you an opportunity. Join us, and you'll have access to resources, training, and knowledge you can't find anywhere else. You'll be better equipped to protect yourself—and others."
Elias looked between them, weighing his options. He didn't trust the Covenant, but he couldn't deny that they had the tools he needed.
"What's this?" Elias asked, gesturing to the map on the table.
Adrienne stepped forward, pointing to a red pin near the western edge of the city. "Another incident. A rift was detected here last night. It's smaller than the one you saw, but it's growing. If left unchecked, it could cause serious damage."
"And you want me to help deal with it?" Elias asked.
Adrienne nodded. "It's a chance for you to see what we do firsthand. Consider it a trial mission. If you're serious about solving your case, this will give you a glimpse of what's really going on."
Elias crossed his arms. "And if I say no?"
Veylan's expression hardened. "Then you'll be escorted out of here, and we'll take over the investigation. Your involvement will end."
Elias looked down at the map, his mind racing. He thought of Marian Draycott and her daughters, of their desperation and pain. He couldn't walk away from the case now, not when they were counting on him.
"Fine," he said finally. "I'll go with you. But I'm not joining your order—not yet."
Veylan inclined his head. "That's acceptable—for now. Adrienne will accompany you."
Adrienne smirked. "Try to keep up, detective."
As they left the chamber, Elias felt the weight of his decision settling over him. He didn't trust the Covenant, but he couldn't deny that they were his best chance at finding the truth.
Adrienne led him toward the armory, where she handed him a small, rune-inscribed dagger.
"What's this for?" Elias asked, examining the weapon.
"It's Veil-forged," Adrienne said. "It'll work against things your bullets won't."
Elias slid the dagger into his belt, feeling its strange warmth against his hip.
"Let's get this over with," he muttered, following Adrienne out into the foggy streets of Arkwright.